Research allows corporations to discover blueprints by spending 1,000,000 energy, which can then be instantly finished with 4x gratitude points. Corporations need to have a research facility built in the region to perform research. Blueprints can be developed into their respective technologies to be installed in a region. They can also be upgraded. 3 of a technology can upgrade for double the power before unupgraded version. Losing the original power to save 2 slots help when you have other tech that can fit the other spots.
Multiple research projects can occur simultaneously as long as they are started in separate regions. It is also the only building that has a cap, at 8 buildings specifically.